Sirach 51:2-4

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

²     for thou hast been my protector and helper
and hast delivered my body from destruction
    and from the snare of a slanderous tongue,
    from lips that utter lies.
Before those who stood by
    thou wast my helper, ³ and didst deliver me,
    in the greatness of thy mercy and of thy name,
from the gnashings of teeth about to devour me,^[a]
    from the hand of those who sought my life,
    from the many afflictions that I endured,
⁴ from choking fire on every side
    and from the midst of fire which I did not kindle,